Case Study: West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA) – MDT Leadership Development Programme
“The West Midlands Cancer Alliance partnered with 360 Degree Society to deliver a leadership programme that exceeded expectations. Despite pandemic challenges, 360 efficient planning and seamless communication ensured high-impact virtual sessions ran flawlessly. Delegates rated the training as excellent and confirmed immediate application of tools—we saw changes in some of our MDTs in their efficiency, development in leadership, confidence, and collaboration. This programme delivered clear ROI by strengthening leadership capability and improving patient-centred decision-making.”
Executive Summary
The WMCA MDT Leadership Programme delivered measurable improvements in leadership capability, MDT performance, and confidence across four core leadership domains. Delegates repeatedly highlighted the programme as 'excellent', 'insightful' and 'highly valuable', with many confirming they had already integrated the tools into their MDT practice. Participants emphasised that the learning would have a direct impact on MDT efficiency, culture and patient-centred decision-making—demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI).
Background and Activity
The programme delivered high-quality virtual leadership development across four webinars. Topics included systems thinking, high-performing teams, leadership and personality preferences (MBTI), along with conflict management and having crucial conversations. Engagement levels remained high across all sessions, and feedback indicated substantial behavioural and cultural shifts.
High-Performing Teams Image Credit: Matt Worden
Evaluation Methodology
Evaluation followed Kirkpatrick Levels 1 and 2 with real-time feedback polls and open qualitative responses. Volume and depth of comments provided strong evidence for Level 3 behavioural change.
Key Results and Outcomes
Systems Thinking & High-Performing MDTs
"The tools from these sessions have transformed how I chair MDT meetings—clearer structure, better engagement, and more efficient outcomes."
Delegates described the session as 'great', 'thoughtful', and 'very useful'. One participant noted: 'I am a new chair, and this session will help me—thanks'. Others emphasised how the diagnostic tools would immediately improve MDT preparation: 'I have used the rapid diagnostic tool to support us make changes in streamlining'.
ROI Indicators
Participants indicated improved clarity on MDT functioning, enhanced preparedness, and greater confidence in leading discussions—direct contributors to streamlined MDT processes. "I now prepare with confidence and use system mapping to tackle challenges. It’s improved how our MDT functions day-to-day."
Self as Leader
Participants described the session as 'a great learning curve', 'insightful', and 'thoughtful'. Many stated that understanding MBTI preferences would change how they facilitate MDT discussions. Examples included: 'I will check in virtual MDTs that everyone gets a chance to voice their opinion', 'I need to think more and outside the box', and 'I will try and be more mindful of others'.
“Fantastic training! My MDT meetings are now structured, inclusive, and far more efficient. I feel confident and equipped to lead.”
ROI Indicators
Delegates reported the tools would lead to more inclusive discussions, better decision-making, and increased psychological safety within MDTs—enhancing team cohesion and meeting productivity. "The 5-second pause technique have changed how I approach communications and tricky conversations—less stress, better results."
Managing Conflict & Difficult Conversations
Interpersonal Conflict Image Credit: Matt Worden
The session received outstanding praise: 'Brilliant', 'so enjoyable and rare time for me as a leader', 'insightful', and 'great learning'. 100% of participants stated they felt more confident: 'Feel more confident now'. Others highlighted specific tools they would apply: 'The TKI output is very helpful', 'I am going to write a list of MDT ground rules', and 'Don't take objections personally'.
ROI Indicators
"I have taken so many tools and knowledge from all four sessions. These have been great and I feel more confident to lead." Participants expressed greater readiness to address conflict early, reducing time lost to interpersonal issues and improving meeting flow. Several participants noted: 'I have already used some of the tools from these webinars', showing immediate transfer of learning into MDT practice.
“This programme gave me practical tools I could apply straight away. I now lead MDT meetings with confidence, manage conflict effectively, and ensure every voice is heard. It’s made a real difference to team efficiency and patient-centred decisions.”
Programme-Wide Reflections
Across all four webinars, the programme was described as 'enlightening', 'highly educational', and 'brilliant'. One participant summarised the cumulative ROI: 'I have taken so many tools and knowledge from all four sessions. These have been great and I feel more confident to lead'.
Conclusion
The WMCA MDT Leadership Programme delivered exceptional value by improving leadership confidence, team communication, conflict-resolution capability and MDT structure. The high volume of quotes evidencing intended, and actual behaviour change highlights a strong return on investment, positively impacting MDT culture, efficiency, and decision making to support patient-centred outcomes.